Legal Definitions - bailee

A bailee is an individual or entity that temporarily takes possession of another person's personal property for a specific purpose, without acquiring ownership of that property. The bailee is entrusted with the care of the property and is generally expected to exercise reasonable care while it is in their possession. Once the agreed-upon purpose is fulfilled, the bailee is obligated to return the property to its owner.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a bailee:

• Valet Parking Service: Imagine you arrive at a busy hotel and hand your car keys to a valet attendant. The valet service, through its attendant, becomes the bailee of your vehicle. They take temporary possession of your car for the specific purpose of parking and safeguarding it while you are at the hotel. They do not own your car, but they are responsible for its care and must return it to you when you request it.

• Pet Boarding Kennel: When you go on vacation and leave your dog at a professional pet boarding kennel, the kennel acts as a bailee. The kennel takes temporary possession of your pet (which is considered personal property in a legal context) for the purpose of providing care, food, and shelter. They are expected to look after your dog diligently and return it to you at the end of your trip, without ever gaining ownership of the animal.

• Consignment Shop: If you bring a piece of antique furniture to a consignment shop to be sold, the shop becomes the bailee. The shop takes possession of your furniture for the specific purpose of displaying and selling it on your behalf. While the furniture is in their store, they are responsible for its care and must either sell it and give you your share of the proceeds, or return it to you if it doesn't sell, as they do not own the item themselves.